Smart House II: Judgment Day

So, you have moved into this century and dipped your toes into smart home technology.  You have embraced the future, Skynet watch out.  Even if you are ready to take the full plunge or just the slight wade in to the water, here are a few more things that can make your transition easier. Everyone knows about the coffee maker that you can program and have the perfect coffee when you wake up, but did you know that other kitchen appliances are getting on the bandwagon.  Are you ready for the smart refrigerator or perhaps the smart dish washer?  Samsung now offers the smart fridge with a Wi-Fi enabled LCD screen on which you can check the weather, browse the web for recipes, and even keep your grocery list.  The Bosch 800 Plus Series Dishwasher, with its touch-screen control panel with full-color text, will give you cycle status and maintenance updates. 

Other appliances around the house are getting in on the action too, such as LG’s SmartThinq washer and dryer.  These smart devices can tell when the power consumption in your area is the lowest, thus saving you money by running when rates are low.  You can also control them from your smart phone.  There is even a gadget out there that will help you save money on your water bill by reducing the amount of water you use during your morning shower.  The Waterpebble memorizes how long you take a shower and will slowly decrease your shower time by flashing colored lights when it is time to get out.  Added bonus, besides saving water, it can also get the kids out of the shower without nagging them like the Terminator.  “2 more minutes or I’ll be back.”  Instead you can move them along by having them beat the pebble.  Sounds like a winner to me.  So, sit back, relax, and keep moving towards the smart house of your dreams.